DEFCON 1 Newsletter for October 5, 2011

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Welcome to the latest edition of the number one Defense Career Opportunities Newsletter, “DEFCON-1,” a networking newsletter featuring job opportunities and career advice for those who are part of the global defense, aerospace, maritime, marine technology and security industry.

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*** In this issue (This week’s jobs are listed here, and then offered with links or in more detail below):

Join the A-Team of Info Operations and Strategic Communications Planners. We are seeking SC Planners to work Afghanistan, in support of USFOR-A, in Kabul, to provide expert advice and assistance with regard to specific influence products, target audience, analysis and communication methods at the local, regional, and national level. Our SC planners will facilitate IO integration for combined military and civilian-military campaign plans for Afghanistan.

Candidates should have experience in joint/multi-national operations, experience in Information Operations, PSYOP, Public Diplomacy, Commercial Marketing or Influence Modeling, that can facilitate USFOR-A staff integration and synchronization, information flow, and dissemination as it relates to cultural, economic, political, religious, social, newsworthy, and tribal issues in each supported entities AOR. We are looking for professionals who have knowledge of, and experience with, strategic message development in a cultural context that supports the overall strategic communication planning process. Regional experience is a must

Successful candidates should meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be a U.S. citizen with a valid, active DoD security clearance of SECRET or TOP SECRET.

• Have a minimum of five (5) years experience working in Strategic Communication/IO/PSYOP with U.S. military.

• Possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.

• Have a Bachelors or Masters of Arts degree in a social science discipline: history, sociology, psychology, political science, etc.

Salary: Negotiable, but commensurate with current rates in theater. Place of Duty: Kabul, AFG.

Please email your resume, level of clearance, timeline you are available to deploy to: INFOPS2011@gmail.com.

2.) Program Manager, MCR Federal LLC, Quantico, VA

MCR is the trusted leader in integrated program management solutions. For more than 30 years, we have provided objectivity, smart thinking and the highest levels of support to help our clients get the job done, and done right. Our vast experience and knowledgeable people are our greatest assets. Their subject matter expertise, commitment to excellence and the high quality of their work, combined with our full suite of services, allows our clients to accomplish their missions and support national priorities. Our corporate values are based on integrity, excellence, honesty, service and trust. It is through these values that we form long-term client partnerships, build expertise, and attract and retain talented employees. For more information about MCR, LLC career opportunities, please visit www.mcri.com.

Description of Duties: •Responsible for the management and direction of operational test support to customer.

•Provide customer leadership support at an executive level.

•Ensure compliance to customer operational test process.

•Ensure quality of deliverable meets customers’ expectations.

•Ensure resources are allocated properly so that all customer objectives are achieved efficiently and effectively.

Requirements for the Position: •Bachelors of Science degree from an accredited school in a technically related field. Master’s Degree desired.

•Professional registration, desired. (Note: Project Management Institute certification as a program manager, or equivalent certifications, would provide a substantial indicator of competence.)

•15+ years related experience; 10 years Program Management and supervisory experience, showing successful progression and advancement to positions of greater responsibility in or supporting Defense Acquisition.

•Knowledge of applicable DoD, USN and USMC acquisition policies and traditional federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidance.

•Prior military experience, desired.

•Prior DoD Test and Evaluation experience, desired.

•Able to foster a cooperative work environment across and within organizations with competing goals.

•Proven ability to use independent judgment when managing people, and projects.

•Proven ability to impart information to a broad range of individuals and organizations.

•Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

•US Citizenship is required. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government investigation and must meet eligibility for the required Government clearance (Secret).

•Must be available to travel as required.

Compensation

MCR, LLC’s compensation and benefits package is very competitive. It is designed to help employees meet varying needs throughout their careers and to reward employee's skills, experience, and potential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MCR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor. In addition, MCR participates in the DHS E-Verify program. M/F/V/D

Bluefin Robotics is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and related technologies.

The Mechanical Engineer will conceive of, design, and conduct engineering analyses to support the development of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems used in AUVs manufactured by Bluefin Robotics. The successful candidate will assist in the development of detailed designs for manufacturability, maintainability and cost, from concept through final production. Bluefin’s customer base spans defense, commercial, and scientific entities, and the engineering techniques and processes employed must effectively support this diverse client base and a variety of product delivery scenarios.

Responsibilities:

•Providing system, vehicle, and component level mechanical design and engineering, to support the varied needs of Bluefin’s projects

•Experience working in a defined engineering process environment, including configuration control of schematics and models, use of approved parts list, design standards, and engineering change control processes

•High level of proficiency with SolidWorks and Workgroup PDM for production and control of models and drawings

•Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Design to Cost metrics and techniques

•Experience preparing rapid preliminary and concept level design work, as well as detailed design development work

Bluefin Robotics is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and related technologies. Founded in 1997, the company has grown to employ over 70 engineers, technicians and support professionals. Bluefin proudly serves defense, commercial and scientific sectors worldwide. Bluefin Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Battelle. For more information, please visit www.bluefinrobotics.com.

Bluefin Robotics Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified Bluefin applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Northrop Grumman Information Systems sector is seeking a Jr. Meeting Planner to join our team of qualified, diverse public health professionals. This position is full-time and will be located in Rockville, Maryland.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with planning meetings, conferences, and other events for a federal contract. Contribute to every aspect of the meetings and events by providing assistance in the identification of venue locations and transportation needs, handling registration, serving as the liaison for communications with participants, coordinating mailings, securing audiovisual needs and other equipment, providing onsite support, etc. Provide staff assistance and support to NG’s external partner groups for a wide range of grassroots activities. Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Handle multiple tasks.

The prospective candidate will be responsible for providing Engineering focused support to U.S. Navy ships, located in both CONUS and OCONUS, preparing for INSURV Material Inspections as a representative of SEA21/PMS 470 and PMS 400F.

The individual will assist in developing class equipment trends and commonalities from INSURV inspection results and provide recommendations for improvements that can be implemented in acquisition and/or availability planning.

Additionally, the individual will work directly with ships force in planning and prioritizing maintenance actions, which will lead to continuous material improvement.

This position is located in Norfolk, VA and requires approximately 50% travel to include, but not limited to San Diego, CA, Bahrain, and Japan.

The candidate will provide written assessments of material condition, crew knowledge, and engineering readiness, in support of INSURV preparation progress to the ship, PMS 470/PMS 400F Ship-Class Managers and the individual ship¿s chain of command, as required.

Make recommendations for providing additional SEA 21 assistance if needed and participate in post-INSURV “Hotwash” events to capture Lessons Learned and process issues, in order to improve combat readiness.

Candidate will serve as liaison between SEA21 and the Waterfront Support Activities in Fleet Concentration areas, for readiness and life-cycle support of engineering.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline plus 8 to 10 years relevant work experience. Masters degree preferred. Degree(s) must be in engineering, computer science, mathematics or a related discipline.

Project Engineering experience.

In some cases, educational requirements may be adjusted or waived for more than 15 years of applicable work experience. Work experience may be adjusted based on education, or highly specialized knowledge or uniquely applicable experience for positions involving new technology or labor market shortages as reflected by market survey data.

Professional experience requirements: 10 years of professional experience required, 3 or more years supporting the U.S. Navy in a professional environment, contractor, consultant, and/or government civilian preferred. Prior active duty Navy experience, particularly at the O-4/O-5 level is highly desirable

Experience working in politically dynamic/charged environment is of significant advantage and will be a distinct benefit to the successful applicant.

Prior experience providing a broad range of support to government and/or military ¿ preferably Navy Board of Inspection and Survey specifically Auxiliary, Main Propulsion and Electrical Engineering experience in one or more of the following areas- Gas Turbine, Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical.

Willingness to regularly work challenging projects that require bridge-building, strategy development and execution, change management, milestone conformance, and waterfront community stakeholder analysis to maximize support provided to the surface force is critical.

Expertise/Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Must be able to work both in teams and independently

This position requires regular, direct, point-to-point client interface, excellent client-relationship development and management skills, and an outstanding ability to simultaneously manage multiple high visibility efforts, respond to emerging issues, and guide the clients to foresee, pursue, and achieve strategically significant results.

A SECRET security clearance is required after employment.

Diversity

Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

MCR is the trusted leader in integrated program management solutions. For more than 30 years, we have provided objectivity, smart thinking and the highest levels of support to help our clients get the job done, and done right. Our vast experience and knowledgeable people are our greatest assets. Their subject matter expertise, commitment to excellence and the high quality of their work, combined with our full suite of services, allows our clients to accomplish their missions and support national priorities. Our corporate values are based on integrity, excellence, honesty, service and trust. It is through these values that we form long-term client partnerships, build expertise, and attract and retain talented employees. For more information about MCR, LLC career opportunities, please visit www.mcri.com.

Description of Duties:

The Training Aids, Devices, Simulation and Simulators Development and Support Analyst will perform the following duties:

• Serves as primary liaison with TRADOC schoolhouses and PEO STRI for the management, maintenance, and sustainment of Institutional Mission Simulators (IMS), Portable IMS (PIMS), and Part Task Trainers.

• Determine methodology and coordinate the development of training aids and devices with Army training centers in accordance with TRADOC regulation 350-70.

• Monitors the Government’s current in-service equipment, training aids, and training areas that are managed by the UAS Project Office and take necessary actions to ensure repairs and/or upgrades are coordinated and executed with minimal impact to schoolhouse operations.

• Develops and manages training schedules working with military, government civilians and other contractor personnel as part of project work.

• Coordinates requirements for training courses with the course managers and personnel who provide instruction, the Government trainers, and the institutional operations sections.

• Supports training team group discussions, lectures, demonstrations, seminars, and workshops using various media and training aids.

• Develop and Manage training schedules working with military, government civilians and other contractor personnel as part of project work.

• Coordinate with the Joint-Simulation Integration Laboratory (J-SIL) all UAS Simulator technical issues, including high fidelity connectivity in the virtual, constructive and live training areas.

Requirements for the Position:

•Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

•10 years experience; must include Army aviation operations, maintenance, and training.

•Must have demonstrated expertise and experience in the U.S. Army Systems Approach to Training (SAT), in development of training and training products, in the use of training aids, devices, simulations and simulators, and in training services in both institutional and new equipment training settings.

•Individual must have good organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.

•Have ability to analyze past and current operations, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP), field manuals and provide recommendations for training products revisions.

•Is customer-focused, self-motivated, and has the demonstrated ability to effectively work with all types of people and lead teams.

•Experience in Army institutional training environments, completion of a certified Instructor Qualification/Certification course, experience with the DoD MIL-HDBK-29612-2, Instructional Systems Development/Systems Approach to Training and Education and DoD MIL-PRF-29612B development of training products, implementation of training programs, and/or experience in writing, editing, formatting and proofreading technical documents and training materials will be considered value added.

•US Citizenship is required. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government investigation and must meet eligibility for the required Government clearance (Secret).

•Current US passport required.

•Must be available to travel as required.

Compensation

MCR, LLC’s compensation and benefits package is very competitive. It is designed to help employees meet varying needs throughout their careers and to reward employee's skills, experience, and potential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MCR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor. In addition, MCR participates in the DHS E-Verify program. M/F/V/D

A Pilot in Command is tasked to plan, coordinate and execute training, testing, and operational missions; safely operate ground control station and payload control station for company manufactured Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems acting as Pilot-in-Command in accordance with corporate guidelines.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan and execute UAV missions, and coordinate flight crew activities.

Conduct tests, demos, and training.

Provide feedback on aircraft and GCS performance to engineers and production staff.

Required Skills:

FAA rated pilot required (minimum part 141 or part 61) B.S. in Aeronautics, Aeronautical engineering, or Computer Science, Aviation Management preferred; Current aviation experience, a comparable substitute or the Military equivalent. Must be familiar with aviation safety rules and procedures. Must be able to lift and move equipment exceeding 50lbs. 50% to 75% travel both international and domestic required. Overtime/weekend work may be required.

BAE Systems is a premier global defense and security company with approximately 100,000 employees delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support and services.

Support Solutions, based in Rockville, Maryland, provides a wide range of services in engineering, system integration, ship repair, and readiness and sustainment for military platforms. Its Technology Solutions & Services unit addresses the full life-cycle needs of U.S. Department of Defense and federal civilian customers with capabilities in systems engineering and technical assistance, system and subsystem integration, operations, and maintenance. TSS serves every branch of the U.S. military and numerous civilian agencies, operating the U.S. Army’s munitions plant in Kingsport, Tennessee; integrating communications systems and developing and integrating precision tracking radars; and providing design and support services for air and missile defense systems.

The Ship Repair business is the leading U.S. provider of non-nuclear ship repair, conversion, and modernization services. It focuses on drydock and pier-side ship repair and sustainment services for the U.S. Navy, other defense agencies, and commercial customers.

ITA International, LLC, specializes in providing global support services focused on the maritime and coastal environment. ITA provides analysis, planning, training, security, marine, logistics, and engineering support services. Our clients include the U.S. Government, nongovernmental organizations and commercial clients conducting operations worldwide. ITA International LLC is an 8 (a) Small Disadvantaged and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

In support of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Expeditionary Training Group (ETG), ITA International is providing support in the continued development and management of the policy and procedures, which includes organizational structure, scope of effort, identifying training requirements, and articulating the responsibilities and authority for the ETG in training. In addition, support will be provided to prepare the Adaptive Force Package Staff for certification, and coordinating and assessing NECC integrated training internal and external to the NECC Claimancy.

ITA International is currently seeking a Public Affairs Officer with Combat Camera experience. This position is currently located at NAB Little Creek, Norfolk, Va.

As PAO, responsibilities include the following:

•Serves as a Public Affairs and Combat Camera SME for ETG

•Develops exercises that will focus on requirements that address Public Affairs objectives

•Coordinates with appropriate Non-DoD agencies and other specific points of contact and develops integration capabilities for NECC Unit level training

•Coordinates with appropriate U.S. military group representatives and other specific points of contact in the development and execution of integrated training projects, and develops standing command relationships pertinent to ETG activities

•Responsible for compiling, integrating and preparing staff and community inputs for complex projects and briefings into concise and consolidated outputs

•Maintain a network of points of contact and others relevant to establishing professional working relationships for prospective partnering and resourcing of ETG

•Identify opportunities for cooperation’s with US government and non-government partners by developing and negotiating joint agreements and supporting the implementation of joint training projects

•Coordinate the inclusion of intelligence briefs for presentation to deployable staff and address the impact to the strategic communications objectives

•Ensure that all exercises for NECC Echelon IV and V commands are designed to successfully accomplish the 49 common staff NTAs assessed during the deployment certification exercise.

The ideal candidate will possess 10 years experience in military public affairs with a background in military operations and training. Preferred candidate must have Navy Expeditionary Warfare background and previous instructor experience. The candidate must be able to complete tasks independently with very little guidance and must, be flexible, have good people skills, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a can-do attitude.

ITA International is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status or any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local discrimination laws.

Kratos DES is hiring for a Ship Self Defense System (SSDS)/Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS) Action Officer to provide on-site support to the Office of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Combat System Integration Branch (N866) of the OPNAV Surface Warfare Division (N86), supporting the Ship Self Defense System and Advanced Combat Direction System programs. Serve as the designated requirements and resource Action Officer for day-to-day sponsor program management and oversight of technical and programmatic details, including integration with combat systems and other Navy programs, and warfare area requirements definition. Responsibilities encompass all phases of Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) and Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) processes for requirements definition. Support development of long-term budget requirements planning, preparation, and defense of budget requirement issues, and provide oversight of program budget execu

tion. The Action Officer will provide requirements development / validation / evolution, serve as resource sponsor stakeholder representative among various stakeholder organizations both internal to and external to Navy, and participate in review of force structure and military operational capability studies and analysis. This position is located in the Pentagon. No relocation assistance is provided with this position.

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

* A currently active SECRET level clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required

* A Bachelors Degree or over 5 years of job related experience is required

* Former Naval Officer or Senior Enlisted with Surface Warfare experience, especially with employment of Shipboard Self Defense System (SSDS) or Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS) is required

* Programmatic experience with OPNAV requirements office of NAVSEA Program Office is required

* Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare and present program information or recommendations is required

Drafting Team Ships communication strategies and articles for media release. Coordinate interviews, draft press releases, staff answers in response to media questions; coordinate review of all Government and Industry material (briefings, papers, video, photos, ads, newsletters, etc.) submitted for public release approval; communicate Team Ships acquisition program information and themes to program stakeholders and external audiences; inform Team Ships leadership of relevant news articles; draft and solicit journal articles and/or commentaries for publication in defense trade press; update the Team Ships Communications Plan as required; and maintain archive of Team Ships-related media. Complete Special Projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Position requires expertise with the public affairs / media relations in order to support the Team Ships communications team in responding to national, local and trade press requests to Department of Defense and Department of the Navy for information, briefings and principal support used in interactions. Prior experience working in strategic communications, outreach, writing, and editing and well as service with the Department of the Navy is a must. Excellent writing skills is an absolute and experience with the DOD public affairs processes preferred. A Bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant work experience is a must. Candidate must display exceptional maturity, the ability to work independently, possess attention to detail and the ability to meet hard deadlines. Applicant must hold active SECRET security clearance.

Diversity

Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Provides policy and guidance recommendation to commercial and government senior level staff, based on thorough analysis that utilizes cutting edge theory, principles and methods.

Operates in multinational, interagency, joint, and service unique environments. Applies extensive operational background and experience gained from military service and leadership roles, as well as operational proficiency in advanced analytic theory and principles, during joint and combined operations at tactical, operational and strategic levels of warfare to solve current and/or future mission needs or to correct problem areas.

Initiates and develops operational ideas in specialty area, and develops effective implementation schemes. Plans, develops, coordinates, and may direct (on an ad hoc basis) large projects or several small complex projects. Prepares or coordinates the preparation of complex proposals as required. Leads and/or participates in working groups, program development forums, analytical activities, readiness exercises, training, education and other forums as required to accomplish contract requirements.

Establishes and monitors standards for the quality of programs and documents. Assists in the resolution of project and program priorities. Assures quality control throughout all contract activities. Develops and executes budgets, work breakdown structures and other management procedures as required to monitor and control projects. Demonstrates superior writing and presentation skills to develop briefings, documents, papers, conceptual, and analytical reports for clients. Maintains and complies with security procedures in the performance of duties. May provide direction, training, and assistance to other project staff, as a senior expert in a particular field of endeavor.

Former Career Navy Public Affairs Officer

Accomplished director of internal and external communication for large organizations.

Spokesperson for sensitive and complex issues. Expert in crisis communication.

Experience in Surface Warfare and deployed Naval Operations.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline plus 10-15 years directly relevant work experience. Master’s degree plus 5 years directly relevant work experience or doctorate plus 6 years of directly relevant work experience.

In some cases, educational requirements may be adjusted or waived for more than 10 years applicable work experience. Work experience may be adjusted for highly specialized knowledge or uniquely applicable experience for positions involving new technology or labor market shortages as reflected by market survey data. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities